Update: Shawn Morris lands at AG Schneiderman’s office

Former Albany Common Council President Shawn Morris has landed a job as director of public information for new Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

Schneiderman spokeswoman Jennifer Givner said Morris’ responsibilities will include overseeing the office’s publications for consumers and other public outreach efforts but will not involve dealing with the media. Morris started Jan. 10, Givner said.

Viewing the situation as unwinnable, Morris exited the three-way race among herself, Jennings and Councilman Corey Ellis that July — redirecting her efforts to help other progressive candidates in the city, including now-city Treasurer Kathy Sheehan.

Schneiderman, a Democrat and former state senator from Manhattan, was elected last year to replace Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Morris’ husband, John Wellspeak, has been a top aide to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, one of the state’s most powerful Democrats, for years.

A gig in public information may be a good fit for Morris, who made bringing greater transparency to city government a centerpiece of her mayoral campaign.

Update: According to the state comptroller’s office, the job pays $75,000 a year.

Sad to see you not returning to public office Shawn but happy nonetheless for you to be doing well. Thanks again for everything you contributed to our City, and for those things that you continue to do.

Sad to see you not return to public office Shawn but nonetheless very happy for you to be doing well. Thank you again for everything you contributed to the City and its residents, and for all that you continue to do.

ACS, Sue Savage does have a powerful husband, but if you’ve ever worked on the campaign trail or in the office with her, or have been at a party in someone’s home that she is attending (I’ve done all three) everyone stops what he or she is doing and listens to her. That alone, plus all she has done to lift Schenectady out of the mire earns her respect. I know you’ll tell me there are still lots of problems, but that’s because Sue’s work is not done and her County Manager is struggling to do more with less. Kathleen, my heart goes out to you and so does my respect. What a tight spot you’re in trying to make money grow from trees. And still you somehow make it work.

Rocco, Sue Savage knows she can always run again. The motto is try, try, try again. Losing to Farley shouldn’t shame her. No politician should allow loss to define her (or him) as a politician or as a person. I also read Cermak’s column, but remember that Sue herself has made no official announcement.